Diva New Year's Eve: At a casual chic party

Frankincense and myrrh don’t do much for me, fashion-wise. But gold is my preferred fashion accessory this holiday season.

So when I hit the stores to find an ensemble that would look oh-so-cute for a casual chic New Year’s Eve party at a friend’s house, I knew gold would be my glitter.

I built the outfit around some dark-wash trouser jeans I already had. They are a slightly stretchy material, which is a good thing for the slight paunch I’m sure to have developed after stuffing my face with sugar cookies and candy canes.

For the top, I opted for something with sheen. Banana Republic was having a killer sale, and I picked up an emerald green silk blouse (see left) with blue polka dots for nearly half off at $38.99. Classy confetti, if you will.

The gold accessories pulled everything together. The Limited turned out to be a mecca of holiday jewelry that was all 40 percent off. I paid about $15 for a gold cuff bracelet adorned with vintage flowers and faux amber, pearl and diamond details.

On my feet, I went glam all the way with a pair of discounted gold Gianni Bini stilettos from Dillard’s — a steal at $44. After ashamedly telling so many store clerks that, no, I didn’t need a gift receipt, I was relieved when the nice man who sold me my shoes didn’t even bother asking.

He must have known. Every diva needs some fierce feet fashion to welcome in 2009.

About the bloggers

Looking for shopping deals in Tampa Bay? The Deal Divas are on the prowl, sniffing out hot fashion finds that won't leave your wallet in ruins. Now you never have to miss a shopping deal! Check in often for the lowdown on local bargains, as well as fashion advice, fun photos and style news. Disclaimer: The content of this blog is produced by the editorial staff of the Times and is not tied to advertising. E-mail us ideas you'd like us to write about.

Stephanie Hayes , addicted to heels for 15 years, has been experimenting with ballet flats, boots and cute sneakers lately. Her poor, tired feet thank her. She can never get enough animal print, and her eye shadow collection has become a bit of a hoard. While other kids were reciting multiplication tables, she was learning to calculate an extra third off the half-price discount during buy-one-get-one week. She knows a healthy swipe of red lipstick can make any outfit better. She can be reached at (813) 226-3394 or shayes@tampabay.com.

Katie Sanders foolishly spurned pretty dresses and shoes as a child, tossing new clothes over her shoulder at birthday parties with a totally rude "no, thank you." Her drab days of monocolor outfits are over now, and she certainly knows better than to turn down free stuff. Her wardrobe mixes classic with quirk. Think blazers with statement necklaces, and lots of patterned ballet flats. She can be reached at (850) 224-7263 or ksanders@tampabay.com..

Kameel Stanley has never encountered a thrift store she didn’t like. Her mother taught her that the true value of clothes isn’t how much they cost, but how many outfits one can create from them. Having grown up in Michigan, she was delighted to learn upon moving to Florida that she almost never needed to wear socks or boots again. There’s a lot of turnover in her closet, and she’s obsessed with dresses, necklaces and wedge heels. She can be reached at (727) 893-8643 or kstanley@tampabay.com.

From camo pants and construction boots to sundresses, sweaters and sling backs, Keyonna Summers knows how to make all of it rock -- at rock bottom prices. A Detroit native, Keyonna delves into her urban roots to find fashion pairings that give a nod to street fashion while maintaining the class of the modern, professional woman. She believes in searching for affordable clothes that look expensive and can easily be dressed up or down. You won't find plaid shirts or fleece jackets in her closet; the only hiking Keyonna does is to the bargain basement. She can be reached at (727) 445-4153 or ksummers@tampabay.com.